The 15 Friendliest Nations That Will Welcome You With Open Arms

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

Some of the friendliest nations in the world have mastered the art of hospitality. They offer more than beautiful sights—they come with a side of kindness that makes visitors feel right at home.

Whether it’s a smile from a stranger, a helping hand when needed, or simply the feeling that travelers are a part of the community, these nations know how to make visitors feel like they’ve found a second home.

To determine the friendliest nations, Remitly surveyed over 3,000 participants worldwide, focusing on the ‘agreeableness’ section of the Big 5 Personality Test. This section measures traits like concern for others, willingness to help, and the ability to make people feel at ease.

Respondents rated their agreement with various statements, and those with higher scores were deemed more likely to exhibit friendly, generous, and welcoming behavior. Here are the world’s 15 friendliest nations where a warm welcome is just the beginning.

South Africa

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

South Africa ranks as the world’s friendliest nation, with an average friendliness score of 34.63.

In Cape Town, the capital, you can stroll along Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a 1,300-hectare estate home to African flora and fauna; it’s also close to Table Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Boulders Beach is unique because it is home to a colony of African penguins. It is also the 32nd best beach in the world, known for its giant granite rocks and soft white sand.

Greece

Greece ranks as the second friendliest nation in the world, with an average friendliness score of 33.71. Visitors can expect a warm welcome in this Mediterranean country, where locals are known for striking up conversations with strangers. As a Greek myself and having traveled extensively, I can confidently say that the Greek people are indeed some of the friendliest on the planet.

There’s no shortage of activities in Greece. History buffs are up for a treat when visiting historic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Beach-goers will enjoy the turquoise waters and sandy beaches in Lefkada and Crete, and food lovers shouldn’t leave Greece without trying hearty dishes like keftedes (meatballs) and dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves).

Croatia

Croatia also ranks among the world’s friendliest nations, with an average friendliness score of 33.50. The Croatian people are known for being polite, sociable, and welcoming to visitors.

Visitors can soak in Croatian history by visiting the walls of Dubrovnik, which date back to the 13th century, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. They can also take a short ferry ride to Lokrum Island to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Croatia is home to a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Diocletian’s Palace in Split, which used to be the residence of the Roman emperor Diocletian, and Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its beautiful waterfalls and lakes.

Mexico

Mexico ranks fourth among the world’s friendliest nations, with an average friendliness score of 33.47. Its warm and welcoming locals will make any tourist feel at home. The Mexicans are more than willing to invite you to their local festivals and celebrations.

The iconic Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. Visitors can also learn more about Mexican culture by visiting Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology.

For nature lovers, Rio Secreto is the perfect spot to explore calm underground rivers. Beachgoers will enjoy Balandra Beach with its soft white sand and shallow, clear water.

Sweden

World Wild Schooling - https://worldwildschooling.com The 15 Friendliest Nations That Will Welcome You With Open Arms - https://worldwildschooling.com/friendliest-nations-in-the-world — © Bernhard / Adobe Stock

Sweden ranks fifth among the world’s friendliest nations, with a friendliness score of 33.30. While Swedes are known for valuing privacy, they are also welcoming and friendly.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

For travelers staying in Stockholm, explore the Vasa Museum and its well-preserved 17th-century ship. They can also explore Stockholm’s Old Town and stroll along its cobblestone streets and historic houses. The Abba Museum is an interactive exhibition dedicated to the pop group and is worth a visit.

Australia

Australia is the sixth friendliest nation in the world, with an average friendliness score of 33.13. It is known for its welcoming and laid-back residents.

You can snap postcard-perfect photos of the Sydney Opera House or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. If you want to explore Melbourne with ease, take the free City Circle Tram.

Canada

Canada ranks seventh among the friendliest nations, with an average friendliness score of 32.84. Canadians are known for their politeness and welcoming attitude.

Visiting Niagra Falls is a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors in Vancouver can stroll along Stanley Park and enjoy lovely beaches, scenic trails, and kid-friendly spots.

Germany

Although Germans have a reputation for having no sense of humor, this European nation ranks as the eighth friendliest nation in the world, with an average friendliness score of 32.66.

A trip to the historic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is one of the country’s top attractions, followed by the stunning Cologne Cathedral. Munich’s Marienplatz has been the city’s marketplace for centuries. Travelers planning their trip in the four weeks preceding Christmas can enjoy the famous German Christmas markets.

Estonia

Estonia ranks ninth in friendliness, with an average score of 32.58. While Estonians are known to value personal space, they are also accommodating and hospitable.

In Tallinn, visitors can explore the medieval charm of the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture. Head to Toompea Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Belgium

Belgium ranks tenth among the world’s friendliest nations, with an average friendliness score of 32.50. Aside from chocolate and beer, Belgium is also home to friendly and hospitable locals.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Belgium has various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the iconic Grand Place in Brussels and the Old Town of Brugge, which has centuries-old Gothic architecture. For sightseeing and shopping, travelers can visit the gift shops and luxury stores along the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels.

Spain

The eleventh friendliest nation in the world, Spain, has an average friendliness score of 32.41. This Mediterranean country has welcoming and generous residents.

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain and is home to unique places, like the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. Visitors can include Granada in their itinerary and visit the Alhambra, a breathtaking Islamic architectural wonder. In Madrid, world-famous museums such as Prado and Reina Sofia are not to be missed. Afterward, they can relax at Retiro Park, renting a boat ride or go-karts.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks twelfth among the world’s friendliest nations, with an average friendliness score of 32.36. Czechs are generally known to be polite and friendly people.

In Prague, the nation’s capital, travelers can explore the historic Prague Castle and stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, where they can take scenic photographs over the Vlatva River. Afterward, they can explore the Old Town of Prague and its notable landmarks like the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock to better appreciate Prague’s historic charm.

Italy

Italy has an average friendliness score of 32.34. While Italians have a reputation for being passionate and expressive, they are also known to be courteous, considerate, and helpful.

Visitors should not miss Rome for its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon and throw a coin in Trevi Fountain before leaving the city.

Japan

The only Asian nation on this list, Japan, has an average friendliness score of 32.33. The Japanese are also known to be respectful and polite.

The nation’s capital, Tokyo, offers a blend of modern and traditional Japanese culture. Attractions like the Tokyo Tower are great for sightseeing and enjoying the cityscape, while landmarks like the Senso-Ji Temple allow tourists to experience Japan’s Buddhist traditions.

If travelers plan their trip well, they might get lucky to experience cherry blossom viewing in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or Ueno Park, home to thousands of cherry blossom trees.

United States

The United States ranks fifteenth in friendliness with an average score of 32.31. Americans are generally known to be very welcoming and friendly.

The United States has famous landmarks like the Empire State Building in New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona or Yellowstone National Park, which covers parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.